Quercus rubramenta in Guerrero State, a Giant Understudied Tree

Project Contact: Dr. Maricela Rodríguez, Global Conservation Consortium for Oak (GCCO) Coordinator for Mexico and Central America

Project Summary: The project aims to survey this species to determine its distribution and population size and status, reproduction and regeneration, its role in the maintenance and equilibrium of the forest, cultural uses, and relationship with the native population. With this information project leaders will be able to identify the threats that are impacting this IUCN Vulnerable oak. Also, as the oak does not appear to be in cultivation, they will collect acorns across the species range and propagate seedlings to replant in the wild and to conserve in ex-situ living collections. 

Executive Summary: This project is included in the field survey and population monitoring of Q. rubramenta, an accepted species in section Lobatae (red oaks). It was described by Trelease in 1934 from specimens with immature leaves and inflorescences. As this made the application of the name difficult, the description was amplified by Valencia Avalos and Jimenez Ramirez in 1991 based on new collections from the type locality. The type specimens in Berlin mentioned by Trelease no longer exist. It is sometimes listed as a synonym of Q. salicifolia.

Quercus rubramenta is a tree that has been found in different forest types in Guerrero state, including that of Quercus, Pinus, and Abies. It is found from 2,100 to 2,750 m elevation and has been reported as a tree of up to 45 m tall. In personal observations it has been reported to reach up to 65 m height, making it one of the tallest trees in Mexico. A report of the species in the state of Oaxaca has not been confirmed.

As herbarium collections are relatively few, and often not georeferenced, we believe there is a need for a complete survey of this species, to determine its exact distribution and size of populations, reproduction and regeneration, its role in the maintenance and equilibrium of the forest, cultural uses and relationship with the native population.

This project intends to carry out a survey to obtain more information about the distribution of Quercus rubramenta, taking advantage of the connection that Profauna, an NGO, has with locals in this part of Mexico.

Further Reading

OC&R Testimonial

A Life Dedicated to Oak Conservation: Maricela Rodríguez
Amy Byrne

Oaks in Puebla: Growing Successes and Failures, and New Research Topics

Maricela Rodríguez-Acosta, Allen J. Coombes, Carlos A. Contreras-Paredes, Stephanie Fernández-Velázquez, and Citlali Guevara-González
(International Oaks No. 27)